Northumbria Police has launched Operation Toonwatch, a multi-agency initiative to increase visible patrols in Newcastle city centre over the summer amid concerns about anti-social behaviour.
What the operation will do
The operation brings together the force’s Neighbourhood Policing Team in Newcastle with partners including Newcastle City Council, NE1 city centre management, Eldon Square, the city’s universities, Nexus and local youth services. Officers will be deployed in both uniform and plain clothes with an emphasis on diverting young people from offending, disrupting large or intimidating gatherings, and tackling the minority who display violent or unacceptable behaviour.
"Newcastle city centre is known for being an amazing place, with visitors flocking here year-round and especially in the warmer months. As with any major city, this can sadly often attract a minority who are set on causing trouble for the wider public and businesses,"
The quote above is from Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Madge of Northumbria Police, who said the campaign is designed to build on work already undertaken across the region to reduce pockets of disorder.
Where resources will be focused
- Increased foot patrols around key shopping and nightlife areas.
- Plain-clothed officers to identify and disrupt offending groups.
- Partnership working with universities and youth services to prevent young people becoming involved in crime.
Inspector Madge said deployments would be guided by data and intelligence to target problem hotspots more effectively. She urged parents and carers to be aware of where young people are spending time to help prevent them from becoming involved in wrongdoing.
Local impact and context
For residents and businesses the stepped-up policing is intended to make the city centre feel safer during the warmer months, when footfall increases and the potential for disorder can rise. The operation follows similar targeted approaches previously used in coastal towns across the region, which police say have been effective in reducing anti-social behaviour.
Those who witness ASB or concerning behaviour in the city centre are encouraged to report it to Northumbria Police so that officers can build the intelligence picture that will guide further deployments.
| Lead agency | Partners | Main aims |
|---|---|---|
| Northumbria Police | Newcastle City Council; NE1; Eldon Square; universities; Nexus; youth services | Visible patrols; diversion of young people; disruption of intimidating gatherings; protection of public and businesses |
This summer campaign is one element of year-round work to tackle anti-social behaviour in Newcastle. The force says that targeted operations, informed by local intelligence, allow resources to be used where they are most needed.
Further updates on the operation and any changes to deployment will be made available by Northumbria Police and partner organisations as the campaign progresses.
